Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE

Have a go at these clever paint ideas and transform your living room from drab to fab!

-  STEPHANIE DURRANT

1 Define a fire surround

Paint your fire surround in a bright, happy shade, like sunshine yellow, and top it with colourful accessories to make it the focal point of your living room.

To take the injection of colour up a level, try filling a disused fireplace with logs painted in a variety of complementary shades, sticking to a palette of bright pastels for an uplifting summer-ready scheme.

Avoid the look becoming too fussy with a plethora of pattern and instead style your fire surround with colour-block accessories. Try revamping old vases and other ceramics with co-ordinating matt paints.

2 PAINT A FEATURE WALL

Pick out a single feature in your living room and treat it to your favourite shade. This warm pink doesn't overwhelm because it's restricted to one area only - the chimney breast. Pick a shade and integrate it into your room by using the same colour on a single piece of furniture and for a small selection of accessories.

3 PAINT BESPOKE STORAGE

A great way to save space is by having bespoke cabinetry built to fit in an alcove, meaning you can use the whole wall for storage - from floor to ceiling. A creative way to make this a feature wall, which as well as serving all your needs looks like a uniform wall, is by painting it all one statement shade. If you also paint the skirting and fireplace surround the same colour, it will make the look feel seamless.

4 Be inspired by nature